Source: BL Add MS 64960

Formerly owned by Maria Ducarel, recorded (f. ii verso) as a gift to her from George Henry Lee, 3rd Earl of Lichfield, in 1768. This charming cantata uses the water flowing into the sea simile to describe longing for the beloved. In aria (Larghetto) – recit – aria (Allegro) format.

Range: b – e’

Editor: James Sanderson

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"…to live and not to love…" is a crime according to our erstwhile lover here. She, however, loves Tirsi above all else and credits Cupid with her choice. In RARA format, including a beautiful largo and a delightful menuetto – short and with a small (one octave) range.

Source: BL Add MS 31545

Range: a’ – a”

Editor: James Sanderson

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Miserable Mirtillo is complaining of the rigours and upsets of his love for Dorinda. In RARA format, allegro and adagio arias provide pathos and brilliant coloratura.

Range: d# – a”

Editor: James Sanderson

The post Bononcini: Sventurato Mirtillo, e che farai? appeared first on Cantata Editions.

Veiwing the painful side of love, Eurilla searches for her Armindo in the garden of Love, but can find not even a breath of him. In RARAR format with two curiously ‘twisted’ arias – affettuoso and largo and finishing with a sinuous recitative.

Source: BL Add MS 31545

Range: d – g’

Editor: James Sanderson

The post Bononcini: Trà l’amene delitie appeared first on Cantata Editions.

Finally the boys are getting their revenge on Clori. Tired of too much suffering, she turns to the God of Love to ask for pity, but does he help her…? In RARARA format with two sprightly vivace arias following an expressive largo.

Source: BL Add MS 31545

Range: e – a’

Editor: James Sanderson

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Source: BL Add MS 14213 ff 103v – 110r

Bononcini’s setting of a very popular cantata text. A boy unhappy with his Clori again. She is a minx! Two very different arias with a lovely sobbing line in the first sospira à miei sospiri and a matter-of-fact final andante – pensa ch’un nouvo amante non ti sarà costante!

Range: c – d’

Editor: James Sanderson

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A slightly odd and disturbing discussion about how close our love of love is to our love of a little torment. RARA format with two sprightly arias.

Source: British Library Add MS 31545 ff 7r – 12r

Range: d – g’

Editor: James Sanderson

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In this pastoral scene the golden shafts of Cupids darts fly from the beloved’s eyes and pierce his heart. Despite the pain he decides that mercy and silence are the only solution. RARAR format, lento, allegro and the last recit becoming an arioso.

Source: BL Add MS 31545

Range: c – g’

Editor: James Sanderson

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Source: BL Add MS 14211 52r

Short aria – recit – aria format but absolutely delightful! What we go through for love. Despite being cruel, unkind, like a serpent, still he loves her and yearns for her – such pain, such tears!
This would be an excellent piece for a difficult spot in a program – total duration is only around 4 or 5 minutes

Range: f – g’

Editor: James Sanderson

The post Bononcini: Quanto peno e quanto piango appeared first on Cantata Editions.

The image of the turtle dove taking away sorrow and bringing contentment to the unhappy shepherdess longing for her beloved Tirsi. In RARA format with a throbbing affettuoso and a sprightly con spirito, ma non presto. Great writing for the continuo as well!

Source: British Library copy of the 1721 edition

Range: a – d’

Editor: James Sanderson

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